Poem unveiled at Bramall Lane

5 November 2013

Blades co-chairman Kevin McCabe was part of the group to welcome poet Jackie Kay back to Bramall Lane for the unveiling of her poem 'Here's My Pitch'.

The anti-racism poem was written as part of the work Sheffield United were involved in last year for the Kick it Out 'weeks of action' and the city's Off the Shelf 'Text in the City' initiative and was read out at the Blades v Portsmouth game last season.
The poem, which was inspired by United's first black player, Arthur Wharton, is now displayed on John Street with artwork which was carried out by Richard Johnson.

Involved in the event were a number of representatives from Sheffield United, United's Community Foundation and FURD (Football Unites, Racism Divides) as well as Councillor Isobel Bowler, on behalf of Sheffield City Council, Roisin Wood from Kick it Out, Su Walker from Off the Shelf, and artist Richard Johnson. To mark the occasion Jackie read her poem once again with the artwork as the back drop.

Jackie, who was back in the city for an event at this year's Off the Shelf programme said: "I was delighted to return to Sheffield and see the poem blazing on the wall. Wonderful artwork makes Sheffield remember Arthur Wharton too. I feel extremely proud that Sheffield United are making such a good and creative stand against racism and delighted to have my poem appear on the outside of the ground."

Kevin McCabe added: "It looks fantastic and we are proud of our ongoing work to support equality and diversity. We are delighted that Jackie could come back to see it unveiled."